For centuries, people in dangerous situations have turned to the Bible for reassuring promises of God's protecting care. One of the most comforting and best-loved is the first verse of Psalm 91: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." I love that image of having a spiritually secure "secret place" right in God's shadow. And an understanding of man's spiritual selfhood, a recognition of our unity with God, man's loving Father, enables us to find that "secret place" and dwell in it.
Christ Jesus', conviction of being inseparable from his Father empowered him to demonstrate his dominion over evil. This is indicated by Jesus' words, recorded in John's Gospel: "He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone." And as we follow his example to the best of our ability, we, too, can rely on God's powerful protection. Jesus showed beyond a doubt that the Father never leaves us alone or unprotected; He keeps us continuously secure in His omnipotent care.
And in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy assures us: "The history of Christianity furnishes sublime proofs of the supporting influence and protecting power bestowed on man by his heavenly, Father, omnipotent Mind, who gives man faith and understanding whereby to defend himself, not only from temptation, but from bodily suffering." (p. 387)
Included in this understanding is the reassuring fact that as offspring of the all-wise, all-directing, and all-seeing divine Mind, you and I continuously respond to God's unerring direction. We therefore have the wisdom and judgment necessary to stay out of harm's way. As we abide in God, divine Love, we have the constant support of our Father throughout our daily activities. Claiming this God-given dominion enables us to fulfill our responsibilities in confidence, freedom fearlessness.
One day when we lived in Seoul, South Korea, I was tacking up posters for a meeting. Oblivious to the crowd milling about, I was suddenly struck very hard on the back and shoved into the board. Turning around, I saw a young man with an angry look on his face. I didn't know this person, had no idea why he took his anger out on me. Instantly resisting fear, I firmly acknowledged divine Love's governing presence, knowing that God's law alone was controlling us both and holding us beyond the reach of ill will, misunderstanding, or harm. Immediately the hostile look left the young man's face, smiles were actually exchanged, and a dangerous incident was quickly resolved.
This practical understanding of man's unity with God is available to anyone. And prayer empowers each of us to conduct his or her life without inhibiting fear and uncertainty. Through prayer and Christlike living, we gain the wonderful assurance of being safe - 24/7.
